Spinally delivered N-, P/Q- and L-type Ca2+-channel blockers potentiate morphine analgesia in mice

We studied the antinociceptive effects induced at the spinal level by N-, P/Q- and L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+-channel (VDCC) blockers given alone or in combination with morphine, the test responses being the algesic ones induced by acute thermal and mechanical stimuli. When given alone, intrathecal omega-agatoxin IVA (P/Q-type blocker) produced a potent dose-dependent inhibition in the tail-flick and tail-pressure over the dose range 0.33-33 pmol/mouse. omega-Conotoxin GVIA (N-type blocker) also produced dose-dependent inhibitions, but its antinociception against thermal stimuli was weaker than against mechanical stimuli. Calciseptine (L-type blocker) slightly reduced both nociceptive responses, but only at 33 pmol. At their subthreshold doses, intrathecal omega-agatoxin IVA, omega-conotoxin GVIA and calciseptine each significantly enhanced morphine analgesia in the tail-flick and tail-pressure tests, the rank order of potencies being N- ! P/Q- > L-type. These results indicate that combining a low-dose VDCC blocker, especially the N- or P/Q-type, with morphine may be a very useful way of minimizing the dose of morphine and may reduce side effects. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.